Cane and Kolbe link up for Japan opener

JUST over a month since the Rugby World Cup final, 14 of the players who featured in the showpiece match will suit up for club duty in Japan’s Rugby League One opening round.

- BEN JAYCOCK

The tournament kicks off on December 9 with newly promoted Mie Honda Heat travelling to face 2018 Japanese champions, Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

Both teams have ex-international coaches in charge, with former Wallaby boss Dave Rennie having arrived to take the reins at Kobe, while Heat now have the recent Italian mentor, another New Zealander, Kieran Crowley.

A new champion was crowned last season as Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay edged the defending champion Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights by two points in a thrilling final played in front of 42,000 people.

The Spears, who have replaced their injured star South African Malcolm Marx, with All Black hooker Dane Coles, will start their title defence as one of the favourites, especially as they have added Wales fullback Liam Williams to an electric backline that includes last year’s breakout star, 17-try winger Haruto Kida.

The 2023/24 season is headlined by World Rug by Player of the Year Ardie Savea joining Kobelco Kobe Steelers, with the All-Black joined in Japan by six of his teammates, alongside seven South African world champions.